Fayetteville City Council passes anti-discrimination ordinance

A marathon meeting ended with Fayetteville's council members supporting an anti-discrimination ordinance.

Six members supported the measure, while Ward 3 Alderman Justin Tennant and Alderman Martin W. Schoppmeyer, Jr. voted against it.

People cheered after council approved the anti-discrimination ordinance that will protect the rights of everyone regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The ordinance also requires the creation of a civil rights administrator position.

Tuesday's meeting began at 5:30 p.m.

The City Council allowed everyone to speak during public comments.

"I think this is a step in the right direction to end discrimination," said Fernando Garcia who sat in the audience. "I know there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done, and an ordinance, just an ordinance by itself is not going to end it, but I know it’s a step in the right direction."